tripos
/ˈtɹaɪpɒs/ noun
Forms triposes
- noun (obsolete) A three-legged structure; a tripod.
- noun (Cambridge University) Any of the final examinations for a BA honours degree.
- noun (Cambridge University) The list of successful candidates in such an examination.
Etymology
Alteration of tripus, as though with a Greek ending. For the examination: the word is supposed to refer to the three-legged stool formerly used at the examinations for these honours, though some derive it from the three brackets formerly printed on the back of the paper.
The etymon of tripus is the Ancient Greek τρίπους (trípous, “triple-footed”), (from τρι- (tri-, “three”) and πούς (poús, “foot”)).
Webster’s 1913
- noun A tripod. [Obs.] Dryden.
- noun A university examination of questionists, for honors; also, a tripos paper; one who prepares a tripos paper. [Cambridge University, Eng.] Classical tripos examination, the final university examination for classical honors, optional to all who have taken the mathematical honors. C. A. Bristed.
Etymology [Gr. Tripod.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “tripos”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details